These Clams Use a Creative Sex Trick to Reproduce

Whenever I think of clams, my thoughts go immediately to yummy pastas and savory dishes. But after hearing about the nifty little reproduction trick used by one species of clam, I think the bivalves deserve a bit more recognition.

Earlier today, Wired reported that Corbicula clams are physically hermaphroditic but genetically male and that they reproduce by cloning. This sort of makeup isn’t too unusual in the animal kingdom, but here’s where things get interesting. Every now and then the clams “hijack fresh DNA from other clams.” You know, just to keep the gene pool interesting.

A biologist explained that the Corbicula clam “will steal the eggs of other species. Usually, the whole maternal genome is then kicked out. But sometimes they keep some of the genes, and incorporate them into their own genome.”

Who knew clams could get so sneaky when it comes to making babies?!

Let’s have some fun this afternoon, inspired by these clever clams. If you could give yourself a neat sex trick or superpower, what would it be? Maybe the power to orgasm, instantly whenever you wanted? Or the power to make sure you and your partner orgasm at the exact same time? Or maybe your super power would have something to do with pregnancy or childbirth?